PHILADELPHIA — First, Peyton Manning complained about the echo on his end of the conference call Wednesday.

Then he blocked the questions. For a football genius he offered almost nothing in the way of analysis to the media covering the Eagles.

Finally, Manning cut the call off.

Between the echo and the “one more question” warning, the Broncos quarterback lamented the short work week for turning preparation for the Eagles into “a grind.” The conference call seemed to be part of it.

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Cranky about the short work week, concerned the Eagles have had four more days of preparation, or both, Manning has his work cut out for him when the undefeated Broncos entertain the Eagles Sunday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos are expected to win big. They’re favored by double digits largely because Manning has thrown 12 touchdown passes in three games. He’s his own tough act to follow.

“I will say that Coach Fox has made it clear that our defense is in for a tremendous challenge playing against their explosive offense,” Manning said. “So from an offensive standpoint we have to be on our game. We have to be executing. We have to protect the ball because if you’re giving Philadelphia and Michael Vick and (LeSean) McCoy short fields, if you’re not doing your job, they’re capable of scoring a lot of points quickly. And it makes for a tough, tough day.”

It wasn’t a slight of the Eagles’ defense. The reality is Manning knows very little about it.

“I am just beginning to learn this defense,” Manning said. “You’re still not exactly sure what you’re going to get. All I know, what I’ve seen so far is I see a defense that’s flying around. I see a defense that’s stingy down in the red zone.”

The Eagles’ defenders, on the other hand, are rested and pumped to play Manning, now widely regarded as the best in the business.

When Manning goes through the traditional pre-snap histrionics, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans will make the calls for the Eagles.

“I’ve done this before where everybody talks about this cat-and-mouse game between the middle linebacker and Peyton,” Ryans said. “It’s about all our 11 guys being on the same page and knowing our assignments. That’s how we can get this done. He’s a smart player. He’s seen a lot of coverage over the year so you’re not going to fool him.”

The Broncos are averaging 42 points in their 3-0 start despite playing musical chairs on the offensive line. Journeyman Chris Clark has replaced All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady, out for the year with a severe Lisfranc sprain. Converted guard Manny Ramirez is playing center. And the opposition hasn’t taken advantage of it.

“It’s Peyton,” Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis said. “The ball is out so quick. He sets the protection. He knows where he’s protected and where he’s not. You have to win those one-on-ones is really the key. Peyton slides his protection where he wants it. He manipulates it off the look. He gets it off quick. That’s why he’s so efficient against the pressure. You can have an unblocked man on Peyton and he’s still going to get it off. He’s got the height, the vision. He’s the total package right now.”

Earlier in the week Manning complained about how it was less than fair that the NFL gave the Eagles extra time to prepare by scheduling them to play last Thursday. The Broncos played Monday night.

Manning wasn’t foolish enough to go along with the suggestion the NFL change its scheduling policy. At the same time he didn’t sound enthused about the test posed by the quick turnaround. Manning sounded a lot like a 37-year-old veteran playing in his 16th season.

“It’s a challenge,” Manning said. “Everybody has to go through it at some point. It is a challenge. It’s a physical challenge and certainly a mental challenge. It’s a grind all week. Every single repetition in practice and every second of a meeting and walkthrough, those are all critical.”